Property crime continues to spike in the region with six reports of thefts and break and enters - mainly in the rural areas - during a recent three-day period.
"I can't attribute it to anything specific but we have for sure noticed an increase in property crime, and the more people are diligent about locking their things, their cars, paying attention to their neighbours and neighbourhood to what is going on, the better chance we have of preventing this stuff from happening," said Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler. "I think the more people are observant to what is going on around and making sure they call police when they see anything suspicious, that goes a long way in helping us solve this stuff."
The three-day theft and burglary spree began on Jan. 22 when RCMP received a report at about 7:55 a.m. of a break and enter and theft from a rural property southeast of Bowden.
Eiler said the property owner entered his shop at about 7:30 a.m. and found the door ajar. His yellow 2013 Can-Am ATV had been stolen, as well as a drill and impact combo.
On Jan. 23 at about 6 a.m. Innisfail RCMP responded to another report of a break and enter and theft from a rural property near Bowden. Eiler said multiple vehicles had been entered and gone through and a Dodge truck was stolen. Following a tip by a citizen, the vehicle was recovered abandoned nearby, later the same day.
Three hours later that same morning Innisfail RCMP responded to a report of a theft from a well site near Spruce View. Three communication batteries were stolen, said Eiler.
At 10:19 a.m. on Jan. 23 Innisfail RCMP responded to a report of two snowmobiles and a trailer stolen from a local shop. The following day the snowmobiles and trailer were observed by an alert citizen west of Bashaw and recovered and returned to the owner.
On Jan. 23 at 11:31 a.m. local Mounties responded to a report of a break and enter to a rural property east of Innisfail. Eiler said unknown persons entered an outbuilding on the property and stole propane tanks, a number of other items and a 2012 Husqvarna mower.
And on Jan. 24 Innisfail RCMP responded to a report of a theft of a white 1998 Dodge Ram 3500 truck that occurred at about 6:30 a.m. The truck was stolen from a rural property west of Innisfail on Highway 766.
RCMP continue to investigate all cases.
If any citizen has relevant information in any of the six burglaries and thefts he or she is asked to contact Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or through the Internet at www.tipsubmit.com
Innisfail RCMP Sgt. Lori Eiler
"I can't attribute it to anything specific but we have for sure noticed an increase in property crime, and the more people are diligent about locking their things, their cars, paying attention to their neighbours and neighbourhood to what is going on, the better chance we have of preventing this stuff from happening."
